Burundian refugees return home from Rwanda

Burundi refugees who fled to neighbouring Rwanda in 2015 following political unrest have started returning home.

Their returned comes as diplomatic ties between the two east Africa neighbours warm up.

The first group of more than 500 people left Mahama camp in eastern Rwanda early Thursday, after they tested negative for coronavirus.

The camp hosts more than 60,000 Burundian refugees.

A spokesperson for the UN refugee agency, Elise Villechalane, said more than 1,800 refugees in the camp have registered to go back home.

Earlier this month, Burundi president, Evariste Ndayishimiye had accused Rwanda of holding the refugees hostage, saying his country will never have relations with a country that uses irony in its relations.